Illegal To Collect Rainwater From Roof

Exactly how much rainwater you re allowed to collect and use varies across the u s for example under a colorado law passed in 2016 homeowners are now allowed to catch and use two rain barrels a total of 110 gallons from their rooftops but no more.

Illegal to collect rainwater from roof.

In 2016 house bill 16 1005 was passed allowing residents to collect rainwater from a catchment system on their rooftops into two rain barrels with a combined capacity of 110 gallons. To comply with colorado water law the container must be equipped with a sealable lid. That s because weirdly collecting rainwater is actually illegal in some states. Here are a few with specific rules governing rainwater harvesting.

Such water does not go bad at all. However like with many things there are rules and ordinances at the state level that may affect you. Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in alaska and considered a primary source of water. Rain barrels are containers used to collect rain water from the roof of a building via the gutter and downspout.

But for groundwater harvesting regulations are. The barrel should have a spigot to which a hose may be attached and an overflow hose. The law used to be the only obstacle. This means at the federal level it is not illegal to collect rainwater.

The downspout is cut to a height that permits the rain water to flow into a barrel placed beneath it. The colorado rainwater regulation law passed in 2016 allows homeowners to collect only two barrels. Under section 39 of the health act it is illegal to let or sell a house unless there is a supply of potable water. Only if it sits for a long period of time without use and without subsequent refills will it go.

Collecting rain was technically illegal in many states because any precipitation was subject to that strict hierarchy of water rights stretching back to the mid 1800s. That s the good news. Any container capable of collecting the rain shedding from a roof or patio can be used as a rainwater harvesting system. Collected rainwater may be used to irrigate outdoor lawns plants or gardens.

If you collect in tanks from your own roof structures it is not illegal. All in all the severity of those laws tend to differ in each of the states. Also rain water collected in tanks that are used can sit for a very long time because the water gets refilled and replaced by new rains. That is roughly a total of 110 gallons and this should only be on their rooftops.

Untreated rainwater collected from roofs is not safe to drink. Roof water users can reduce their risks of disease from contaminated rainwater.